Director, PR (LA or NYC Based)

Connected by creativity and driven by purpose, Hourglass Cosmetics is a vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand redefining luxury cosmetics with high-performance products, innovative formulas, and award-winning franchises. Recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, and Time Magazine as one of the most inventive beauty companies, Hourglass leads the industry with breakthrough products and a commitment to animal welfare. Founded in 2004, Hourglass is globally available in 32 markets and over 4,600 doors including Sephora, Ulta, Neiman Marcus, Selfridges, and Space NK. Hourglass became part of the Unilever Prestige division in 2017.

About the role

As Director, PR, you are a strategic storyteller who thrives at the intersection of beauty, culture, and innovation. You support the development of the earned communication strategy for North America and global markets, elevating Hourglass as a leader in luxury performance beauty by building visibility, cultural relevance, and meaningful editorial impact. You will lead the PR calendar, oversee US agency partnerships, and drive campaign storytelling across launches, brand initiatives, and thought leadership. You’ll work cross-functionally with Brand Marketing, Creative, Retail, and regional teams to ensure all messaging and execution reflects our values: innovation, high-performance beauty, and purpose.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Storytelling
  • Lead the development of PR strategies supporting brand priorities, core franchises, new innovations, and purpose-led campaigns.
  • Own the global PR calendar and messaging framework across product, brand, and corporate storytelling.
  • Translate product positioning into press-worthy narratives and experiential that reflect brand pillars of innovation, performance, and cruelty-free luxury.
• Media Relations
  • Support meaningful media coverage in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and business publications across global markets.
  • Position artist-led moments (e.g., red carpets, campaign collaborations, BTS) that enhance brand credibility.
  • Oversee day-to-day management of US media agency to ensure timely execution, high-quality placements, and strategic alignment with brand objectives.
  • Establish a comprehensive strategy for seeding media, VIPs, and MUAs, continuously building our community and fostering new relationships on behalf of the brand.
• Campaign & Toolkit Development
  • Lead 360 PR planning for global product launches, events, and brand campaigns.
  • Drive creation of all global PR materials including press releases, PR mailers, toolkits, asset packs, press sheets, talent briefs, and event guidelines.
  • Ensure campaign execution is elevated, on-brand, and aligned with cultural moments and market needs.
  • Track, analyze, and report on campaign performance to assess impact, media value, and strategic learnings.
• Internal & Executive Communications
  • Partner with leadership on internal announcements, employee engagement initiatives, and thought leadership storytelling.
  • Draft messaging for founder and executive communications where needed for panels, press, or corporate initiatives.
  • Create and manage content calendar to support Hourglass LinkedIn.
• Cross-Functional & Agency Collaboration
  • Work closely with Brand, Retail, Social, and Creative to ensure integrated messaging and campaign alignment.
  • Oversee agency partners, manage timelines and budgets, and measure results against KPIs.
  • Manage PR budget and press event spend in partnership with regional team with tracking and measurement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of public relations or brand communications experience, ideally in beauty, luxury, fashion, or lifestyle.
• Demonstrated success in creating dynamic and results-driven communication strategies.
• Creative excellence in press communications, writing skills, and presentation development.
• Deep familiarity with the global beauty landscape, including emerging tastemakers and artist-led storytelling.
• Strategic thinker with strong writing skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Confident communicator with experience presenting to leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Proven ability to lead through complexity and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• Passionate about the intersection of beauty, artistry, innovation, and design.
• Must be able to work from Corporate Office 3 days a week (hybrid role).

Skills

• Creative: Innovative and forward-thinking in your approach and mindset.
• Strategic: Able to develop creative concepts and vision that support brand and business goals.
• Organized: Not overwhelmed by the thought of tackling multiple tasks at a time.
• Detail-Oriented: Appreciate the importance of having detailed and precise information.
• Communicator: A people person, natural leader, and collaborate well with others.
• Agile: Adapt well to changing needs and priorities and able to pivot easily to achieve goals and deadlines.
• Passionate about beauty: Eager to learn and absorb all things related to beauty, brand, and creative strategy.

Pay

The expected base salary range for this position is $135,000 to $165,000. The exact base salary is determined by various factors including experience, skills, education, geographic location, and budget. This position is also eligible for participation in the company discretionary bonus plan, based on personal performance and company results. Relocation assistance offered.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Accident insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Disability insurance
• Retirement savings plans and company match
• Paid family leave
• Education-related programs
• Paid holidays
• Discretionary vacation time